Neil Aspin says he was "more encouraged with Saturday's display" ahead of trip to Barnet

Manager Neil Aspin says his Port Vale side deserved to win the game against Grimsby over the weekend, and felt the performance from his players was good.

The Valiant's looked set to secure their first win in any competition in 2018 after David Worrall's first half strike and fourth goal of the season put them in the lead.

Grimsby's James Berratt scored a last minute equaliser, which dashed any hope of Vale collecting all three points, but the gaffer was impressed with the overall performance.

"The performance was good, we deserved to win the game. Obviously at the moment we're just not getting the three points, but I was more encouraged with Saturday's display especially away from home.

"If we can continue in that vain, then we can pick up points, and obviously that's what it's all about.

"We deserved three points, but if we had lost the game on Saturday it would've psychologically been a big defeat. It would've also given Grimsby a big lift especially with the new manager starting.

"Before the game started you would've said it's a game we can't afford to lose. Obviously, we're then disappointed we didn't win it but very important we didn't lose that game."

Neil Aspin and his side travel to North London on Tuesday evening in search of that first league win in 2018, to face fellow relegation contenders Barnet.

The Bees' sit rock bottom of the table and 7 points off safety but have started to pick up some results recently, which has seen them fight for their status in the football league for next season.

Despite their league position, Aspin refuses to underestimate Barnet's threats.

"In the space of one minute, we could've gone up about six places on Saturday. I don't think whether they're bottom, second bottom, it doesn't make any difference, Barnet are well capable.

"They are as much as a threat as any other team in the league and it's a big relegation battle, there's no doubt about that and we've got to be up for the challenge."

Going into the Barnet fixture, Aspin confirmed there are some injury concerns which are being monitored closely but refused to name any players and will make a last minute decision on those players concerned.